Malpractices during the festival of Diwali

Denigration of deities by firecrackers

During Diwali we worship Sree Lakshmi on the day of Lakshmi-Poojan. At the same time, firecrackers like the Lakshmi-bar, Krushna-bar and Vishnu-bar are used. When these crackers are set-off, the pictures of deities pasted on these firecrackers, are burnt to pieces. This is rank denigration of our most revered deities.

Mal-effects of firecrackers

Those who burst firecrackers are anti-social, anti-national and anti-religion!

1. Physical: Burns and deafness. Also, many people die in explosions that occur in factories while manufacturing these firecrackers. Sometimes, 'rocket' crackers set fire to huts, heaps of dry grass etc. causing great damage.

2. Economic: Terrorists in Pakistan collect funds from people in the name of ‘Jihad’ (religious war), saying that they will purchase bullets to kill ‘Kafirs’ (non-believers). The cost of each bullet is Rs.10. With the situation so grim and also because the nation is on the brink of insolvency, it is a sin to burn millions of rupees by setting off firecrackers every year.

3. Spiritual: Devotional songs (Aarati) or saattvik sounds attract Divine energies and deities. However, the noise from firecrackers, full of the ‘tama’ component, attracts distressing energies. This is what we are witnessing today. The tama-charged environment affects the human mind adversely and man becomes tama-oriented.

Hence, we must impress the ill-effects of firecrackers upon the youth of today and stop them from bursting firecrackers.

Mahashivaratri

Sattvik picture of Shiva made by
Sanatan Sanstha Seekers

This year Mahashivaratri falls on 12th Feb, which is Magh Krushna Chaturdashi. The Shiva principle descends to Earth a thousand times more than usual, on this day so to obtain the full benefit of the Shiva principle, one should chant 'Om Namah Shivay' as much as possible.

Shivratri is the time when Shiva takes a rest. Shiva rests for one 'prahar' (three hours) of the night. This prahar is referred to as the Shivratri. When Shiva takes rest, the function of Shivtattva (Shiva Principle) ceases, i.e. Shiva goes into a meditative state. Shiva's meditative state is the time when He is engrossed in His own spiritual practice. During that time, the Shivtattva does not accept any tamogun (the most base of the 3 elements in us - Tama) or any halahal (venom churned from the ocean) coming from the Universe. As a result, the ratio of halahal or the pressure of the negative energies increases. For protection from this pressure, things like bilvapatra (leaves of the bel tree), white flowers, rudraksh beads, etc. are offered to Shiva. These things attract the Shivtattva from the atmosphere, thus providing protection from the increasing effect of the negative energies. The Earth is a gross object. Gross objects have very low velocities i.e. they require more time to cover a specific distance in space. Gods on the other hand, are subtle hence they are capable of traversing space within a few seconds. That is why one year on Earth is equivalent to just one day in heaven. -

Science in the worship of Lord Shiva on Mahashivaratri

The function of the Shivpindi

1. Emitting waves of Knowledge, devotion and renunciation

Predominantly Sattva waves of Knowledge, Raja waves of devotion and Tama waves of renunciation (vairagya) are emitted by the Shivpindi. During Mahashivaratri, the emission increases by 30 percent.

2. Emission of subtle vibrations of Chaitanya, Bliss and Peace

The Shivpindi emits subtle vibrations of Chaitanya (Divine Consciousness), Bliss and Peace. During the Mahashivaratri, the emission increases by 25 percent. This helps purify the subtle-body of one who worships the Shivpindi on this day. The sun or the moon channels in the body get activated as per necessity. The capacity to absorb the Sattva component and Chaitanya also increases. Due to the presence of the unmanifest Shiva principle in the Shivpindi and the vibrations of Peace emitted, the Shivpindi remains cool and the mind too experiences peace. Worship of Shivpindi with devotion, activates the dormant Shiva principle. An offering of puffed rice and milk reaches Shiva in the subtle form.

3. Receiving the tarak or marak tattva (element) as required

There is a confluence of the manifest and the unmanifest elements along with the tarak and marak tattva in the Shivpindi (tarak = saviour; marak = destroyer). That is how worshipers receive the required element. The temperature of the Shivpindi increases due to the emission of the marak tattva and there one experiences Bliss. Similarly, when the tarak tattva is emitted, the temperature drops and one experiences Peace and Bliss.

Bilvapatra (Bel leaves)

Bilvapatra (leaves of the bel tree) contain 2% Shiva tattva. By offering bilvapatra to the Shivpindi on Mahashivaratri, the manifest Shiva tattva near the stalk of the bilvapatra gets activated. Due to this, the waves of Chaitanya (Divine Consciousness) as well as Shiva tattva are emitted by the bilvapatra. The bilvapatra attracts 20% of the Shiva tattva present in the Shivpindi towards itself on that day. By immersing this bilvapatra in water or by placing it in grains, the Shiva tattva present in the bilvapatra is transmitted to them. Generally, the Shiva tattva in the bilvapatra is activated to a larger extent on Mondays when it transmits 10% of the Shiva tattva and sattvikta. On other days only 1% of the Shiva tattva is activated in the bilvapatra.

Bilvarchan

Offering bilvapatra to the Shivpindi and chanting the mantra 'Om Namah Shivay' with each offering is known as bilvarchan. Continue offering the bilvapatra until the pindi is completely covered. Offer the bilvapatra from the lower part of the pindi. By starting from the feet of the idol, more benefit is derived and the idol can be covered completely. -

Chanting on Mahashivaratri 'Om Namah Shivay'

Om represents an unmanifest state beyond the 3 gunas (elements of Sattva, Raja & Tama). We bow to Shiva, from whom Om was created.

Naampatti (chanting strip) made by Sanatan Sanstha seekers to remind them to do Naamjap (chanting)

What does the word 'Shiva' mean?

a.The word Shiva has been derived by reversing the letters of the word vash. Vash means to enlighten; thus the one who enlightens is Shiva. He remains radiant and also illuminates the universe.

b. He is the auspicious and prosperity-bestowing principle.

Some unique attributes

1. Physical attributes

a. Ganga : Just as the sun is the focal point of the solar system and the soul that of the body, the focal point of Divine Consciousness (Chaitanya) in every object and pure particles (pavitraks) is ga-aum. The flow from which ga-aum originates is gan gaha = Ganga. Ga-aum flows from Shiva's head. This is called the descent of the Ganga from Shiva's head. Since the river Ganga has a fraction of the Principle of the spiritual Ganga, no matter how polluted it becomes, its purity is perpetually retained. Hence, when compared to any other water in the world, the water from the Ganga is the purest. This is realised not only by those who can perceive the subtle dimension but also by scientific researchers.

b. Moon : Shiva adorns the chandra (moon) on His forehead. The point where the three frequencies - affection (mamata), mercifulness (kshamashilata) and motherly love (vatsalya) originate is referred to as the chandra (moon). Thus, one can conclude that chandrama (the moon Principle) is the state in which the three attributes of affection, mercifulness and motherly love are present.

c. Third eye : Shankar (Shiva) is three-eyed, i.e. He can perceive events of the past, present and the future. According to the science of yoga, the third eye means the sushumna nadi (channel).

d. Serpent : One of the Names of Shankar is Bhujanga-patihari. Bhujang means a serpent or pure particles (pavitraks), pati means the nurturer and hari means one with a garland around His neck. Bhujanga-patihari thus means the One who nurtures pure particles and wears them like a garland. Various serpents represent groups of pure particles. Though externally they appear like serpents, internally they are a kind of ladder. To make spiritual progress one has to climb-up holding onto the tail of the serpent. Shankar adorns serpents at nine points on His body - one on the head, one around the neck, one on each arm, one on each wrist, one around the waist and one on each thigh. This implies that His body is comprised of pure particles or that serpents of pure particles play all over the body of Shankar who has the universe as His form.

2. Spiritual attributes

a. One performing severe austerities and the great yogi

Shiva is always seated in a bandha or a mudra (specific posture). His temperature rises due to heat generated by performing severe austerities. Hence, He uses the Ganga, the moon and serpents which endow a cooling effect and He lives on the snow-clad Kailas mountain.

b. Short-tempered

If someone disturbs His meditation, the radiance generated by spiritual practice will be suddenly expelled and whoever is in front of Him will not be able to tolerate it, and will get destroyed. This is referred to as being 'reduced to ashes by Shankar's opening of the third eye'.

c. One who is willing to undergo any distress for the sake of imparting happiness to others

The poison generated during the churning of the celestial ocean (samudra-manthan) was burning the entire Universe but no deity came forward to accept it. At that time Shiva drank that poison and saved the world from destruction.

d. One who has both, deities and demons, as His worshippers

Neither did demons like Banasur, Ravan, etc. worship Lord Vishnu nor did Lord Vishnu bestow any boon upon any demon. However, they worshipped Shiva who blessed them.

e. Master of the spirits

Since Shiva is the master of spirits, His worshippers are generally not possessed by them.

Shiva's mission

1. Jagadguru (Master of the Universe)

Meaning: One should worship Shiva for spiritual knowledge and Janardan (Vishnu) for the final liberation (moksha).

2. One leading to a state beyond the three components

Shankar destroys all the three components of prakruti (nature) - Sattva, Raja and Tama, in a jiva (embodied soul) simultaneously.

Science in the idol - in the Human form

In the human form, Shiva possesses the following four symbolic instruments in his hands.

1. Damaru (drum)

This represents the Brahman in the form of the word (shabda Brahman). Alphabets consisting of the sounds of fifty-two basic letters and the forms of fourteen Maheshvar verses (sutras) have generated from it. Later the universe was created from these.

2. Trident : represents the following -

• The three components - Sattva, Raja and Tama
• The root of creation, sustenance and dissolution
• Volition, knowledge and action

3. Noose (pash) : The noose represents the noose of time (kalpash) (The rope in Sree Ganapati's hand too is the same).

Worship

a. Application of holy ash (Bhasma)

Tripundra refers to the three horizontal stripes of holy ash applied to the forehead. These stripes symbolise spiritual knowledge, purity and penance (spiritual practice of yoga), so also they represent the three eyes of Shiva.

b. Wearing a rudraksh

Wearing a rudraksh when worshipping Shiva is ideal. A rudraksha is reddish in colour with yellow stripes and is flat like a fish. On one side it has a slight opening which appears like an open mouth. The rudraksh converts the light frequencies of deities from the universe into sound frequencies in the body of humans and vice versa. As a result, humans can absorb frequencies of deities and thoughts can get converted into the language of deities.

A genuine rudraksh

The rudraksh absorbs sama (Sattva) frequencies. Similarly sama frequencies are emitted by its crests. A real rudraksh can be recognised by the vibrations felt by holding it in the hand. At that time the body absorbs the sama frequencies emitted by the rudraksh. (For more information on this, refer to the publication, named at the end of the article.) Nowadays, mostly Vikrutaksh is sold as a rudraksh. This is the seed of a type of wild berry. Vikrutaksh is used in the sacrificial fires of tantriks and black magic, etc. by sorcerers.

c. Ritualistic worship of the pindi

Only cold water and bel is offered to Shankar's pindi. Neither is it bathed with milk and panchamrut (a mixture of milk, curds, ghee, sugar and honey) nor offered turmeric, vermilion (kumkum) or white consecrated rice (akshata). Milk and clarified butter (ghee) symbolise sustenance while turmeric is an underground stem and represents fertility of the soil, that is creation. Vermilion is prepared from turmeric. Since Shiva is the deity of dissolution, substances such as milk, vermilion and turmeric are not used in His worship.

d. Circumambulation (pradakshina)

When circumambulating one should begin from the left side and continue till the channel of the shalunka from where the water offered during the ritualistic bathing (abhishek) flows. Without crossing it one should complete a circumambulation by moving in the reverse direction up to the other side of the channel. The flow of a shalunka is not crossed as it is the flow of energy which adversely affects the formation of semen and the five internal vital energies (pran vayu).

e. Chanting the Name of Shiva

'Namaha Shivaya' is Shiva's five-syllabled mantra. The spiritual meaning of each of the five syllables is: Na = foremost deity of all the regions (lokas), ma = bestower of supreme spiritual knowledge (dnyan) and redeemer of the greatest of sins, shi = benevolent, serene and responsible for initiation by Shiva, va = symbolic of a bull as the vehicle and Vasuki and Vamangi energy (Shakti), ya = auspicious abode of Supreme Bliss and Shiva. Hence, obeisance (namaskar) to these five syllables.

Deepavali - a spiritual celebration

1. Introduction

The word Deepavali is a combination of two words, deep (lamp) + avali (row). Thus deepavali is a line or a row of lamps so during the festival of Deepavali (also known as Diwali), lamps are lit everywhere. It is celebrated on four consecutive days - the thirteenth, the fourteenth and the new moon day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month Ashvin and the first day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month Kartik. These days are celebrated as Dhanatrayodashi, Narakchaturdashi, Lakshmipujan and Balipratipada respectively.

Some exclude the thirteenth day and consider only the remaining three days as Deepavali. Since the festival of Vasubaras (a celebration held in the honour of cows) and Bhaubij (a festival honouring the bond between brother and sister) respectively precede and follow Deepavali they are included as a part of Deepavali. However, in reality, these are separate holy festivals.

2. The science behind celebrating Deepavali*

During the four months preceding Deepavali, the absolute fire principle (tej tattva) is almost absent in the atmosphere. As a result of this, in earlier times, mighty demons used to dominate and trouble the masses. To be able to counter their threat effectively, Deepavali, which is the worship based on the absolute fire principle, was celebrated. So Deepavali stands for destroying the distressing elements that dominate the environment, with the absolute fire principle.

3. Some rituals performed during Deepavali

1. On the evening of Dhanatrayodashi, thirteen wheat flour lamps with oil in them, are lit and kept outside the house, facing southwards.

2. A lantern (akashdeep) is hung above the main door, on the right side. This symbolises the active divine energy. The lantern cleanses the atmosphere spiritually.

3. While doing Lakshmipujan (the worship of Goddess Lakshmi - Goddess of Wealth), unbroken rice is used to draw an image of either an eight petalled lotus or a swastik, on a slightly elevated rectangular platform made of wood (chaurang). The Goddess' idol is then kept on it and invoked.

4. On all three days, from Narakchaturdashi to Balipratipada, a holy bath (abhyangsnan) is taken in the morning.

5. On the second day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik (Bhaubij, also known as Bhaiyyaduj in North India) a woman waves a lit lamp (aukshan) around her brother, if she does not have a brother then she should consider the moon to be her brother and perform aukshan to it.

4. Message from H.H. Pande Maharaj on the occasion of Deepavali

Sree Krushna liberated the troubled masses from immorality, greed and bad tendencies by slaying the demon Narakasur, who was an icon of demonic attitude. Deepavali symbolises this conquest of divine thoughts over evil tendencies. Today, unfortunately, Deepavali is celebrated just as a cultural festival, without an understanding of its spiritual context.

However, if people learn, appreciate and understand about this spiritual context then all the ills in society; caused by spiritual ignorance, carnal and bad tendencies, would get reduced and even the dominance of immoral people over the pious masses will subside.

Therefore, igniting the flame of one's soul with spiritual passion, by reducing all worldly attachments can be known as true "Deepavali."
The increased power of piousness will lend happiness to everyone. This is possible by sacrificing our carnal pleasures without any expectations. The Upanishads have advised to seek pleasure in the reduction of that very pleasure itself!

'God, through this Deepavali, please light the bright flame of doing every action without any expectations in our hearts. We have surrendered ourselves unto you completely. Please give us the spiritually pure (sattvik) intellect (sadbuddhi) and strength to spread these noble thoughts to everyone so that we can become like a single earthen lamp that ignites multiple lamps around it. Through this we would be graced to celebrate 'Deepavali' in its truest purpose and spirit. Wishing everybody a Blissful Deepavali!'

- P.P. Pande Baba Maharaj, Akola, India.

5. Deepavali - a festival that celebrates the destruction of unrighteous demons

The fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month Ashvin (Narakchaturdashi), has been celebrated ever since Sree Krushna slayed the evil demon Narakasur. On the day of Lakshmipujan (worshipping the Goddess Lakshmi), rituals are undertaken to drive off poverty (Alakshmi).
The first day of the bright fortnight of Kartik (Balipratipada) is celebrated to symbolise Lord Vishnu's conquest over the demon king, Bali.
Bhaubij celebrates the slaying of the evil demon Shakatasur by Sree Krushna and the Bliss experienced by the multitudes of women He liberated from the demon's clutches. It celebrates the divine bond of love between brother and sister.

Hindu culture tells us that every day of Deepavali represents the conquest of good over evil, piousness over immorality and virtue over vice; all illuminated by the Deepavali lamps.

Today, Deepavali is celebrated in such a way, that it shows, that all the above has unfortunately either been forgotten or just remained as a namesake. Hence we are losing on an opportunity of getting the full benefit of the divine consciousness (chaitanya) that is integral to all our festivals and celebrations.

On the occasion of Deepavali, let us decide to be dharma educated and also to make efforts to live dharma through every small action at a personal and societal level.

Sree Ganesh Chaturthi - a spiritual perspective

1. Introduction

The destructive and tama predominant Yama frequencies reach the earth in a greater proportion during the 120 days from Ashadh Paurnima to Kartik Paurnima (approx. mid-June to mid-October). However, during a period of greater intensity (from Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi to Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturdashi), Sree Ganesh frequencies also reach the earth in a larger proportion. These help reduce the intensity of the Yama frequencies.

On the day of Sree Ganesh Chaturthi, as also during the days of Sree Ganesh festival, the Ganesh Principle is a 1000 times more active on earth. The worship of Sree Ganesh during this period bestows greater benefits. A new idol is brought and worshipped for Sree Ganesh Chaturthi.

2. The significance of Lord Ganesh

Lord Ganesh is the protector and master (swaami) of directions. After worshipping Him, He opens all the directions. Thus the deity whose worship (pujaa) is being performed can arrive at the place of worship.

Lord Ganesh converts the language of sound (Naad Bhaashaa) into the language of light (Prakaash Bhaashaa), so that prayers made by humans can be understood by deities. Lord Ganesh is the remover of obstacles.

3. The various forms of Lord Ganesh *

3.1 Lord Ganesh functioning in a Saviour Form: While functioning in a saviour form, Lord Ganesh can be seen sitting on a wooden platform. At that time more than 50 percent active saviour energy is transmitted from his hand which is raised in blessing.

3.2 Lord Ganesh functioning in a Destroyer Form: While functioning in a destroyer form, Lord Ganesh is either riding a mouse or sometimes a tiger, a lion or a horse. He uses different weapons such as paash (noose), ankush (goad), trishul (trident) and bhaalaa (spear). He also uses different divine weapons (astras). When in the Destroyer form, Lord Ganesh fights ferociously and He emanates destructive energy into the universe on a large scale.

3.3 Lord Ganesh functioning in both, the Saviour and Destroyer Form: Sometimes Lord Ganesh has to function in both, the Saviour and Destroyer forms, at the same time. At that time, Saviour energy is transmitted from the hand which is raised in blessing and from the hand that holds the weapon, a lot of destroyer energy is transmitted. The energy in His weapons is more than thirty percent active. At that time Lord Ganesh uses a paash (noose) and an ankush (goad).

3.4 Lord Ganesh in the Sage form: While worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh is seen dressed like a sage.

3.5 Lord Ganesh sitting on a throne with Riddhi and Siddhi: Sometimes Lord Ganesh can be seen sitting on a throne, with Riddhi and Siddhi (Principles of God and Lord Ganesh's wives), in a palace in the subtle spiritual plane of Maahaalok or Ganeshlok. At that time he performs all of the above mentioned functions at the same time, in the subtle, as required. Along with this, he mainly performs the function of guiding the devotees of Lord Ganesh, blessing them with knowledge and spiritual powers (Siddhi).

When Riddhi is on the left and Siddhi is on the right side of Lord Ganesh, at that time Lord Ganesh's sun channel (surya naadi) is active. While functioning in the Destroyer form, Lord Ganesh's Sun channel gets activated as per requirement.

When Riddhi is on the right side of Lord Ganesh and Siddhi is on left, Lord Ganesh's moon channel (chandra naadi) is active.

When Lord Ganesh is sitting on a wooden platform, his central channel (sushumna naadi) is active on a large scale.

4. Lord Ganesh's vehicle (vahan)

Vru-vah means to carry and from this the word 'vaahan' is derived. From time to time, the vehicles of the deities change according to their task. The mouse is Lord Ganesh's usual vehicle, but there are others too.

Aa + vaahan = Aavaahan, meaning invoking a deity. Deities come only when invoked (however, if a devotee is in danger, God rushes to help immediately, without being called). When a deity is invoked, the vehicle to be used has to be in accordance with the task. For example in a war, a lion would be appropriate. Lord Ganesh in His Heramb form, has a lion as His vehicle, whereas Lord Ganesh in His Mayureshwar form has a peacock as His vehicle.

5. Ganeshlok and qualities needed to get a place in Ganeshlok after death

In Ganeshlok (subtle plane of Lord Ganesh) there is a reddish light. The atmosphere there is rejuvenating which gives happiness to the mind.

Necessary qualities to get a place in Ganeshlok after death

Intense motivation for Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Mumukshutva): It is necessary for a devotee of Lord Ganesh, to have intense desire for the God realisation. Then only he can do spiritual practice (sadhana) as per Lord Ganesh's expectation in Ganeshlok.

One should have the capacity of imbibing spiritual purity (sattvikta) and Divine Consciousness: To get maximum benefit of the spiritually pure (sattvik) and holy atmosphere, and of existence of Lord Ganesh, it is necessary for Lord Ganesh's devotees to have good capacity of imbibing spiritual purity (sattvikta) and Divine Consciousness (chaitanya)

Curiosity: Lord Ganesh gives guidance from time to time to those devotees who have intense desire that 'what should I do to perform good spiritual practice (sadhana)' and curiosity about spiritual practice (sadhana) and spirituality.

Intense desire: Lord Ganesh gives timely and necessary guidance and Divine Knowledge through language of Light and Sound. To imbibe this Divine Knowledge there should be a good capacity of a devotee to imbibe Divine Knowledge. If a devotee has an intense desire then only he will gain Divine Knowledge.

6. The importance of drawing rangoli on the occasion of Sree Ganesh Chaturthi*

While doing any ritualistic worship, a finely ground sand powder (rangoli) should be laid out in a spiritually pure (saattvik) shape on wooden platform or around the table to be used for worship. The frequencies being emanated or transmitted from this shape form a protective shield around the wooden platform or the wooden table.

Earth frequencies get attracted towards the frequencies being transmitted from the rangoli and they get tied there. Thus from the rangoli, spiritually pure (saattvik) frequencies are transmitted towards the embodied soul (jiva) as required. Also these frequencies form a subtle cover on the earth which protects the embodied soul (jiva) from the black energy being transmitted from the nether region (paataal) or from the negative energy in the house.

Based on the various shapes of the rangoli, specific deities frequencies emanate from it and because of these divine frequencies, negative energies are afraid of rangoli. Hence on any auspicious ritual to be protected from the trouble from negative energies, a rangoli is drawn in front of the door or in the front of the place of worship or on the wooden platform to be used for the worship.

After drawing the rangoli, turmeric (haldi) and vermillion (kumkum) is offered at the center point of the rangoli. This is because the divine frequencies of the higher deities in the universe, are attracted easily towards the colour particles, related to radiance principle, being transmitted from the haldi - kumkum. This also increases the motion, efficiency and effectiveness of the frequencies transmitted from the rangoli.

6.1 Rangolis that increase spiritual purity (saattviktaa)

Rangolis that are made up of minimum lines and of straight and rounded lines are spiritually pure (saattvik). Because the frequencies transmitted by rounded lines have more unmanifest (nirgun) principle in it and as these lines are flowing more, the efficiency and effectiveness of their spiritual purity (saattviktaa) in the atmosphere is more.

Pictures of rangolis which attract the Saviour (taarak) form of the Lord Ganesh principle

6.2 Rangolis that decrease the effect of negative energies

Rangolis including drawings of deity's weapons, slanted lines and squares or triangles have the capacity to transmit more destroying frequencies. Because of these frequencies, a friction takes place between the spiritually impure component (raja and tama) particles in the atmosphere and it reduces the spiritually impure (raja tama) particles along with the associated black energy.

Pictures of rangolis which attract the Destroyer (maarak) form of the Lord Ganesh principle

7. Spiritual experiences of seekers related to Sree Ganesh

When chanted by looking at a picture of Sri Ganesh, noticed energy, Divine Consciousness and radiance being transmitted from his hand which is raised in blessing

When I chant I keep Sri Ganesh's picture in front of my eyes. To be able to focus on chanting, I chant looking at different parts of Sri Ganesh's body and his different weapons. At that time I notice energy, Divine Consciousness and radiance being transmitted from His hand which is raised in blessing. By looking at that radiant hand my breathing happens in a rhythm and I feel very light. Sometimes while looking at the picture of Ganapati I go into a meditative state.

- Ms Suvarna Kumbhar, Devad India

The Sree Ganesh idol which was not looking good appeared beautiful after performing the ritual of 'breathing life' (invoking Lord Ganesh i.e. pranpratishtha ) into the idol of Lord Ganesh

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi a sculptor (Mr. Rasal) who lives near our home, had made 25 Sree Ganesh idols as described in the scriptures. When I went to him to get the Sree Ganesh idol, I came to know that many seekers have already taken their Sree Ganesh idols and there were only two idols left. I noticed that the final touch up of those idols was not done properly. Hence I and my family members were feeling like not taking one of those idols. But as we wanted an idol which is made as per the scriptures, we took one of those idols. On the day of Sree Ganesh Chaturthi after invoking Lord Ganesh, the murti (idol) was appearing full of Divine Consciousness and was appearing very beautiful.

- Mrs Nilima Kulkarni, Niphad, Nashik

Experiencing several obstacles in a lecture arranged during Sree Ganesh festival; seekers overcame the obstacles by Sree Ganesh's chant

On 21.9.2004, a lecture was arranged at Yeragdda, Hyderabad, India by Lakshmi Nivas Ganeshotsav mandal. The subject of the lecture was 'Science of Worshipping Sree Ganesh.' The seeker who was going to conduct the lecture fell sick just two hours before the lecture. Also the supply of electricity was discontinued at the beginning of the lecture. At that time, all the seekers present chanted 'Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha.' After chanting, within a few moments, the supply of electricity was started and after that the lecture was conducted without any obstacles.

Sree Krishna Jayanti - a spiritual perspective

1. Introduction

Sree Krishna was born at midnight, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan. On this day the star, Rohini, was prominent on the horizon and the moon was in the constellation, Taurus.

This day is known as Sree Krishna Jayanti, Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami or Gopalkala and the birth of Sree Krishna is celebrated at midnight.
On the day of Sree Krishna Jayanti the Sree Krishna principle (tattva) is a 1000 times more active than on any other day. So on this day, celebrating Sree Krishna Jayanti (Gokulashtami) by observing rituals and chanting 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya,' with devotion and spiritual emotion yields more benefit.

2. Method of celebrating Sree Krishna Jayanti

A fast is observed throughout the day on Sree Krishna Jayanti (Gokulaashtami). After celebrating the birth of Sree Krishna at midnight, the fast is concluded by eating holy sacrament (prasaad); or it may be concluded by eating the prasaad of dahikaalaa the following morning.

3. The significance of preparing dahikaalaa

Kaalaa is the mixture of various things like curd, milk and homemade butter. When Sri Krishna and His friends were out looking after their cows, Sree Krishna used to mix together the snacks they had brought along and make kaalaa. It was consumed by all, happily. This story became the basis of the ritual of making a kaalaa, on the day following Sree Krishna Jayanti (Gokulaashtami).

The spiritual ill-effects incurred in ritualistic worship by not following various codes of conduct, e.g. not touching holy things at certain times, menstrual cycle observances for women, etc., are reduced by observing a fast on this day. At the same time, it is said that, by observing this religious vow, one gets material benefits in terms of children and wealth and after death one attains Vaikuntha Lok (region where Sree Krishna resides).

4. The spiritual importance of Sree Krishna Jayanti (Gopaalkaalaa)*

4.1 Meaning

Gopaalkaalaa stands for a combination which shows the relatonship of the five white coloured elements (yogurt, milk, etc.) to the maximum unmanifest divine consciousness (nirgun chaitanya) and to that of the actions of the complete incarnation, i.e. Lord Sree Krishna. Kaalaa is a word associated with an action which is done in unity and at a consistent high speed. Kaalaa means a consortium of incidences which highlight a special act (karya) needed at a particular level, place, and time.

The actions of a complete incarnation are ideal with respect to all the three components i.e. place, time and level. The process of these actions, shows to humanity, the different spiritual facets of life, through divine planning. Gopalkaalaa represents the multifaceted functions of the complete Incarnation, i.e. Lord Sree Krishna Himself.

4.2 The main ingredients of the dahikaalaa

Flattened rice (pohe), yogurt, milk, buttermilk and homemade butter are the main ingredients of the kaalaa. All of these represent devotion at different levels.

Flattened rice (pohe) : They represent the playmates of Sree Krishna who stayed loyal to Him irrespective of the situation

Yogurt: It represents motherly devotion which sometimes gives punishment due to motherly love.

Milk: It is the representation of the natural manifest love and devotion of the milkmaids (gopis)

Buttermilk: It is the representation of the devotion with opposition (virodhi bhakti) of the gopis.

Homemade butter: It is the symbol of everyone's unmanifest devotion (nirgun bhakti) and undying love for Sree Krishna.

On this day, the fast-moving frequencies of the Sree Krishna principle related to the water element arrive in the Universe. The ingredients of the kaalaa actively absorb these waves.

4.3 Other advantages

Nurtures the body and mind: On this day the atmosphere is charged with the frequencies of the Water element. This helps the flow of the five basic elements in the body; hence it increases the enthusiasm in the mind and gives the body increased capacity to work.

The entire creation experiences bliss: Due to a rise in the humidity in the atmosphere, the plants become very sensitive to absorbing and projecting the frequencies of Divine energy. Hence, the entire creation experiences Bliss.

Raksha Bandhan - a spiritual perspective

1. Introduction

Sree Lakshmidevi tied a rakhi on the hand of Baliraja, the demon king of the netherworld (paataal), made him her brother and thus freed Lord Narayan (Lord Vishnu). That day was the full moon day (paurnima) of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan.

Therefore the festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on Shravan Paurnima. On that day raksha i.e. rakhi is made by tying rice, gold, and white mustard in a pouch.

येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबल: ।
तेन त्वामपि बध्नामि रक्षे मा चल मा चल ।।

Yen baddho baliraja danavendro mahabalaha |
Ten tvamapi baddnami rakshe ma chal ma chal ||

Meaning: Baliraja, who was almighty and the king of demons, was tied with this raksha, so do I tie you. O, rakhi you please remain stable.

A rakhi is supposed to be tied on the wrist of a brother by his sister. The underlying intention of the rakhi is to ensure the brother's prosperity and progress and to remind the brother of his duty to protect his sister. On this day, when a woman ties a rakhi on the hand of a man who is not her brother, that it is more important than a sister tying it on the hand of her brother. That is because tying a rakhi tends to change the perspective with which that man views women.

2. The importance of Rakshaa Bandhan*

• A brother asks his sister to tie a thread denoting his promise to protect her in every birth and the sister ties the thread to seal that promise. This day is known since ancient times to signify the idea that 'a brother and sister should stay within the bonds of their relationship.'

• The raakhi symbolises the sacred relationship between a brother and his sister.

• Just as the brother gets the thread tied in order denote his promise to protect his sister, similarly, the sister prays at God's (Ishwar's) Holy Feet to request the protection of her brother.

• The greater the sister's spiritual emotion, devotion, her yearning towards God, and Guru's grace (Gurukrupaa) on her, the greater is the effect of her prayers on her brother's well being and his spiritual progress.

• The benefit received by a brother according to the spiritual level of his sister, within 5 hours of tying a raakhi.

	Spiritual level of the sister (%) **	Benefit to the brother (%)
1	25 to 30	13
2	35 to 45	16
3	45 to 55	25
4	55 to 70	50
5	70 to 90	80
6	90 to 100	100

3. The science behind Rakshaa Bandhan*

On this day, the yama frequencies which are functional in the universe create frictional energy from the increase in their velocity and project the radiant particles (tej tattva) into the atmosphere. When these particles become heavy after combining with the earth particles, they create a covering on the earth. This is called rakshaa. When necessary, Baliraja utilises the raja-tama frequencies projected from this rakshaa to nurture the demonic energies. Thus, on this day, the female-energy ties a raakhi to the male to symbolise the tying of Baliraja with the help of the Earth deity. This also denotes the request to protect the atmosphere by keeping the rakshaa particles under control. The all-encompassing rice grains are tied on the hands of the male as a symbol of a bond.

The science behind tying a pouch of rice grains on the wrist, with a silk thread*

Rice has an excellent capacity to imbibe and emit all types of frequencies. The rice grains are tied in a white cloth and then tied on the right hand of the embodied soul (in the form of Shiv) with a silk thread, forming a spiritually pure (saattvik) silk bond.

The energy frequencies from the embodied soul, in the form of Shakti, (the sister) tying the raakhi are absorbed into the rice grains and transmitted towards the embodied soul, in the form of Shiv, (the brother) activating his Sun channel and awakening the Shiv principle in him. This projects the functional Shiv frequencies into the atmosphere destroying the spiritually impure (raja-tama) particles. To achieve the basic objective of Rakshaa Bandhan through Shiv and Shakti is the best way for mankind to gain the maximum benefit of this day.

4. What should a raakhi be like?*

The frequencies emitted from a raakhi should benefit both siblings. That is why we should choose a raakhi which will preserve the God principle for a longer time; rather than one of the flashy ones. Otherwise, the three basic attributes (trigunas- sattva raja and tama) emitted from the raakhi, affect the embodied soul and the corresponding attitude (raajasik, taamasik, etc.) is developed in him.

5. The importance of raakhi's prepared by Sanatan Sanstha*

	Components	Percentage
1	Devotion unto the Guru	28
2	Love for others	20
3	Purity	25
4	Divine Consciousness (Chaitanya)	27
	Total	100

The embodied soul benefits from the spiritual love (prembhaav) emitted from the raakhi into the environment, based on his spiritual emotion. It also helps to increase the devotion (bhaktibhaav). Another benefit is that due to the Divine Consciousness (chaitanya) in the raakhi, the six basic personality defects (shadripu) present in the embodied soul are reduced by 2% for 5 hours.

Sree Ram Navami - the birth celebration of an ideal incarnation

1. Introduction

Sree Ram Navami is celebrated to proclaim the birth of Sree Rama, the seventh incarnation of Sree Vishnu. The ninth day (navami) in the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra is referred to as Sree Ram Navami. On this day, when the five planets and the sun were in the first house of cancer at noon along with the lunar asterism Pushya, Sree Ram was born in Ayodhya (a city in North India).

Celebrations of Sree Ram Navami start on Gudhi Padwa, the first day of Chaitra and continue for 9 days. During this period, devotees do parayans (periodic readings) of Ramayan, recite the Ramraksha Stotra (hymns glorifying Sree Ram), sing bhajans-kirtans (holy devotional songs) in His praise and chant His name.

2. Attributes of Ram

Name: Sree Ram's Name was prevalent even before His birth. After His victory at Lanka, that is, upon demonstrating His Godhood, everyone started addressing Him as Sree Ram (Lord Ram).

Ideal in all respects: Sree Ram is the example of an ideal son, brother, husband, king, friend and enemy.

Follower of righteousness (Dharma): Sree Ram observed all codes of conduct prescribed by Dharma; that is why He is referred to as 'Maryada Purushottam.' Also, honoring His word (ekvachani), needing just one arrow or shot to find the mark (ekbaani) and having only one wife (ekpatni) are His well-known attributes.

Sree Ram's kingdom (Ramrajya): During Sree Ram's rule, in the Tretayug (the 2nd era of existence) it was not Lord Ram alone who was wise. His subjects too, were prudent. Hence, during His reign not a single complaint was brought to His court.
The real kingdom of Lord Ram dwells within oneself. The implied meaning of this is absolute control over the five sense organs, five motor organs, mind, subconscious mind, intellect and ego by the Ram principle (Atmaram - the soul principle).

3. Sree Ram: an ideal

The ideal son: Always obeyed His parents; at times even advised the elders.

The ideal brother: Ram-Lakshman's love is cited as the ideal of brotherly love.

The ideal husband: Devoted to His one and only wife. In those times kings used to have many wives.

The ideal friend: He helped Sugreev, Vibhishan and many others during their difficult times.

The ideal king: Followed all the codes of conduct for kings as laid down in our scriptures.

The ideal enemy: Vibhishan refused to perform the last rites of Ravan, his brother. Sree Ram said to him, 'If you do not do it, I will. He was my brother too!'

Why 'Namaskar' and not a handshake?

Nowadays, it is common to greet each other with a handshake, especially in the West. It is considered a gesture indicating formality or even warmth. However, some Hindus greet each other by paying obeisance through the namaskar mudra. This article explains why namaskar is beneficial spiritually and how the handshake can be detrimental.

1. Some spiritual benefits of namaskaar

While visiting places of worship and viewing (taking darshan of) the Deities, or while meeting an elderly or respected person, Hindus' hands automatically join in obeisance (namaskaar). Namaskaar is a sattva predominant gesture befitting the rich heritage of the Hindu culture. Namaskaar is a simple and beautiful expression of divine qualities like devotion, love, respect and humility that endows one with Divine energy. Understanding the spiritual science (Adhyaatma shaastra) behind a religious act (Dhaarmik kruti) like namaskaar helps in further strengthening the faith in this religious act.

2. Why is it spiritually detrimental to shake hands?

Nowadays, perhaps due to ignorance about the science of Spirituality underlying Hindu Dharma, or due to the increasing influence of Western culture, people often shake hands to greet each other. In a handshake, the spiritually impure raja-tama components in one person can get transferred to the other person, thereby reducing the latter's spiritual purity (sattvikta). Also, if any of the two persons greeting each other is affected by distressing energies; their distress can affect the other person through the handshake. In comparison, every action and concept in the Hindu Dhaarmik way of life, such as greeting with a namaskaar, facilitates an increase in our spiritual purity.

Lately very few people realize the spiritual significance of namaskaar. If at all they do namaskaar by joining their palms, it is done just as a formality. As the act is not based on faith, the benefit derived from it is minimal. Hindu Dharma recommends that along with faith, every religious act be performed according to the science of Spirituality, so that it gives complete spiritual benefit.

Hindu Temple, Umerkot, Sindh

Sri Varun Dev Temple, Manora Cantt, Karachi, Sindh

Situated on the seashore off Manora Cantt, this Temple is about 160 years old and has been specifically designed as per Hindu architecture. The Temple was abandoned & illegally occupied by land grabbers after the 1947 partition. In 2007, Pakistan Hindu Council brought back the sanctity of the Temple by taking a bold step to renovate the same. The Station Commander, PNS Himalaya, Manora Cantt handed over the control of this Temple to Pakistan Hindu Council in June, 2007.